South Korea beats Czech Republic 2-1 in 2026 World Cup Group A opener
On June 12, 2026, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara, Mexico, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A stage. After a goalless first half, the Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute via Ladislav Krejci. South Korea equalized through Hwang In-beom in the 67th minute and secured victory with a goal from Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute. The win places South Korea level on points with Mexico at the top of Group A.
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South Korea's Kang-in Lee Shines in Comeback Win Over Czech Republic at 2026 World Cup
South Korea staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, played overnight. After trailing 1-0 following Krejci's 59th-minute goal, South Korea equalized through Hwang In-Beom in the 67th minute, assisted by Paris Saint-Germain's Kang-in Lee, and took the lead via Oh Hyeong-Guy in the 80th minute. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu made crucial late saves. Coach Hong Myung-bo praised his team's resilience. Kang-in Lee, who played the full 90 minutes, was widely lauded for his performance, completing 100% of his passes, creating three key chances, and winning 10 duels. International media outlets including Goal, Mundo Deportivo, Marca, and Sport highlighted his influence, with many declaring him the new leader of the national team, especially after captain Heung-min Son was substituted.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertKrejčí Scores First Czech World Cup Goal in 20 Years in Loss to South Korea
In a World Cup group stage match on June 12, the Czech Republic was defeated 1-2 by South Korea after taking an early lead. Defender Krejčí scored the opening goal, marking the first time the Czech Republic has scored in a World Cup in 20 years. The last Czech goal in a World Cup came in 2006, when they beat the United States 3-0, with Tomáš Rosický scoring twice. Despite the historic goal, the Czech team could not hold onto the lead and were reversed by South Korea. The match highlights the Czech Republic's long drought in World Cup scoring and their reliance on long-ball tactics, as noted by observers.
虎扑 - 足球Hong Myung-bo highlights that South Korea overcame tension to defeat Czech Republic
South Korea's coach Hong Myung-bo praised his team for overcoming nervousness in their World Cup debut to come from behind and beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured the win after Ladislav Krejčí opened the scoring for the Czechs. Myung-bo expressed confidence in captain Son Heung-min despite him not scoring, noting his overall contribution. The coach credited high-altitude training for the team's physical edge in the second half. South Korea will next face host nation Mexico on June 18 in Guadalajara, with both teams tied on three points in Group A, though Mexico leads on goal difference after beating South Africa 2-0.
FútbolKoubek Regrets Czech Republic Failed to Capitalize on South Korea's Mistakes in World Cup Debut
Miroslav Koubek, coach of the Czech Republic, expressed regret on Thursday that his team did not exploit South Korea's defensive instability, resulting in a 2-1 defeat in their opening Group A match at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara. Defender and captain Ladislav Krejcí scored first for the Czechs, but South Korea rallied with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu to secure the win. Koubek stated that his strategy was appropriate and that his players created opportunities, but they failed to capitalize on key moments. Despite the loss, he believes there is time to adjust before facing South Africa next Thursday in Atlanta. He also praised Mexico, who lead Group A after the opening match, calling them the toughest rival. The Czech Republic will close the group stage against Mexico on June 24 in Mexico City.
FútbolSouth Korea's World Cup Hero Hyeon-gyu Oh Failed VfB Stuttgart Medical Check Before Bundesliga Move
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with substitute Hyeon-gyu Oh scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute. The article reveals that Oh, who now plays for Besiktas Istanbul, nearly transferred to VfB Stuttgart a year ago for a fee of over 25 million euros. However, the move fell through after Oh failed the medical check due to concerns about his knee, which had suffered a cruciate ligament injury ten years prior. Despite the failed transfer, Oh has become a goal hero for South Korea at the World Cup. In-Beom Hwang was named Player of the Match for scoring the equalizer and assisting the winning goal. Czech coach Miroslav Koubek acknowledged the better team won but noted his team's mistakes.
BILD - SportSouth Korea rally in second half, top Czech Republic in opener
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup opener on Thursday in Zapopan, Mexico. After a first half that saw the Czech Republic take the lead, South Korea rallied in the second half with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu to secure the comeback victory. The match was the opening game for both teams in the tournament.
Yardbarker: SoccerOh Hyeon-gyu Scores Winner Despite 38-Degree Fever in South Korea's World Cup Opener
South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in the 2026 World Cup Group A opener, despite suffering from a 38-degree Celsius fever before the match. Oh, who substituted for Son Heung-min in the 24th minute of the second half, converted a low cross from Hwang In-beom in the 34th minute to secure the win. The victory marks South Korea's first opening match win in a World Cup since 2010, ending a 16-year drought. Oh expressed gratitude to the coaching staff and team for allowing him to play, and stated he will prepare humbly for the next match against Mexico, analyzing the opponent thoroughly to perform at over 100% of his ability.
虎扑 - 足球South Korea beats Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener amid sparse crowd
South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup Group A match in Guadalajara. After a dull first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed in from a throw-in to open the scoring in the 59th minute. South Korea responded quickly, with substitute In-beom Hwang equalizing in the 68th minute, followed by another substitute Hyeon-gyu Oh scoring the winner in the 80th minute after a counterattack. Star player Heung-min Son was largely ineffective. The match was played in front of many empty seats, with significant gaps visible throughout the 48,000-capacity stadium. Earlier, co-host Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 to lead Group A. Five Bundesliga professionals featured across both teams.
Nachrichten - WELTKang-In Lee Shines as South Korea Comeback to Beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup Opener
South Korea began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a comeback victory over the Czech Republic, winning 2-1 in Guadalajara. The Czechs took the lead in the 59th minute through a set-piece goal by Ladislav Krejci, a former Girona player. South Korea responded with a brilliant individual effort from Hwang In-beom, who dribbled past the goalkeeper and chipped in to equalize in the 67th minute. The winning goal came in the 80th minute when substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored from close range after a cross from Hwang In-beom. Paris Saint-Germain star Kang-In Lee was instrumental throughout, creating chances and dictating play from midfield. The victory puts South Korea level on three points with Mexico, their next opponent in Group A. The Czech Republic's defensive approach after taking the lead backfired, allowing South Korea to seize control.
FútbolSouth Korea Comeback Victory Over Czech Republic in World Cup Group A Opener
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup Group A opener in Guadalajara, overcoming a 1-0 deficit. The Czechs took the lead in the 59th minute through a header from Ladislav Krejci off a throw-in. South Korea responded quickly, with substitute In-beom Hwang equalizing in the 68th minute, just five minutes after coming on. Another substitute, Hyeon-gyu Oh, scored the winner in the 80th minute after a counterattack. South Korea's star player Heung-min Son was relatively quiet but involved. The match was noted for a slow pace during German prime sleeping hours and visible empty seats in the stadium. Earlier in Group A, co-host Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 to top the group. Five Bundesliga professionals featured across both starting lineups.
Nachrichten - WELTSouth Korea rally from goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in World Cup Group A opener
South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium. Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed in from a long throw-in to break the deadlock in the 59th minute against the run of play. South Korea equalized eight minutes later when Hwang In-beom calmly chipped the goalkeeper. Czechia's Tomas Soucek had a header disallowed for offside in the 77th minute. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu then scored the winner in the 80th minute, firing home from close range after a pull-back from Hwang. South Korea captain Son Heung-min missed several chances earlier in the match. Co-hosts Mexico top the group after their 2-0 win over South Africa. Mexico will face South Korea next Thursday, while Czechia plays South Africa.
Football | The GuardianCzech Republic Suffers First World Cup Lead Reversal Since 1970 in Loss to South Korea
On June 12, 2026, in a World Cup group stage match, the Czech Republic took an early lead against South Korea but ultimately lost 1-2 after a comeback by the South Korean team. Data indicates this is the first time since June 6, 1970, against Romania that the Czech Republic has failed to hold onto a lead in a World Cup match after scoring first. South Korea demonstrated tenacious comeback ability to secure their opening victory, while the Czech Republic was left with regret over their first World Cup lead reversal in 56 years. The match was reported by Hupu Football News, citing source X.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: South Korea Overthrows Czech Republic in Group A
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming from behind to secure three points. The Czech Republic opened the scoring in the 59th minute through Krejci, but South Korea responded with a substitute spark. Hwang In-Beom, who replaced the legendary Heung-Min Son, equalized in the 67th minute off a pass from Paris Saint-Germain's Kang-In Lee. Hwang then turned provider, setting up Oh Hyeong-Guy for the winning goal in the 80th minute. South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu made a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the victory. The result puts South Korea level on three points with Mexico, who earlier beat South Africa in the tournament's opening match. The Czech Republic, now with zero points, face a decisive next match against South Africa.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSouth Korea fight back to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup Group A
South Korea came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Guadalajara. Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute when Ladislav Krejci headed in from a long throw by Vladimir Coufal. South Korea equalized eight minutes later through In-Beom Hwang, who cut inside and curled a finish inside the post. Tomas Soucek had a goal disallowed for offside before substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh scored the winner in the 80th minute, converting Hwang's low cross. The victory puts South Korea level on points with Mexico at the top of Group A. Despite falling behind, South Korea dominated possession with 62% and created more chances, with captain Heung-Min Son missing several opportunities before the comeback.
SkySports | NewsSouth Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu Secure First Group Stage Win
On June 12, 2026, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in a World Cup group stage match at Beijing time 10:00. The first half saw a dangerous long-range shot from Lee Kang-in but no goals. In the second half, the Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute when Coufal's throw-in led to a header goal by Krejčí. South Korea equalized in the 67th minute through Hwang In-beom, who calmly dribbled past the goalkeeper and scored. A Czech goal by Souček in the 77th minute was disallowed for offside. South Korea then took the lead in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu scored from close range after receiving a cross. The match ended 2-1, giving South Korea their first victory in the group stage. Key players included Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Schick for the Czech Republic.
虎扑 - 足球South Korea Beats Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup Group A Opener
South Korea launched their World Cup campaign with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the first day of Group A. After a goalless first half, the Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute through a long throw-in finished by Ladislav Krejci. South Korea responded with determination, equalizing through Hwang In-Beom in the 67th minute and securing the win with a goal from Oh Hyeon-Gyu in the 80th minute. The victory places South Korea level at the top of Group A alongside Mexico, who earlier defeated South Africa 2-0. Lee Kang-In and his teammates showed enterprise and attacking intent, though they lacked accuracy in the box at times. The match featured a lively second half with both teams pushing for goals.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuHalf-time: South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic in World Cup Group Stage
On June 12, 2026, at 10:00 Beijing time, South Korea faced the Czech Republic in a World Cup group stage match. The first half ended goalless at 0-0. South Korea created several chances, with Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min testing the Czech goalkeeper with long-range shots. Key moments included Lee Han-beom's header going over the bar in the 13th minute, Lee Kang-in's through ball setting up Son Heung-min for a blocked shot in the 14th minute, and Lee Kang-in's long-range effort saved by goalkeeper Kovar in the 15th minute. Son Heung-min had two attempts in the 39th and 40th minutes, one going just over and the other wide. A minor incident occurred in the 26th minute when Czech player Schulz's jersey tore, requiring a stoppage for him to change shirts. The article also lists the starting lineups and substitutes for both teams.
虎扑 - 足球